FAQ

Below is a list of questions we are often asked. We hope it will help you with any problems or questions you may have. If you cannot find what you are looking for you can always ask our experts.

What do I need for an interactive white board set up?

A computer, a video/data projector and an interactive white board with the appropriate software. It is worth noting that most video/data projectors can take more than one input, allowing you to show a video or DVD with sound. This is through the support of the computer, which allows you to project the images onto a large screen.

Why would I want a wall control system for my video or data projector?

It will give all your rooms a common interface, saving you time by excluding the need for a remote control. A common interface will ensure that all the projectors will all work in the same way.

My video/data projector only has 3 inputs, but I want to plug in 5 different items. What can I do?

We can make a system tailored to your requirements. If you would like further information please contact one of the sales team on 01422 310193.

As there are 5 different items, we can provide a wide range of cabinet solutions to ensure that you have a tidy, all in one system.

Why are video and data projector bulbs so expensive?

This is because they have a higher brightness level compared to a normal light bulb. They are produced using special materials which are required so the projector can operate at the high temperatures.

Can I copy a VHS tape to DVD?

If you have obtained copyright clearance or if you have made the VHS yourself from a camcorder - YES.
If you know the video is as you want it, you only need to buy a Video/DVD recorder combi unit. These usually have a COPY button facility - just choose the ‘To DVD’ direction.
If you need to edit the video, you will probably be better off with a Hard drive/DVD Recorder combination. Simply play your tapes from a video recorder onto the Hard drive, and then edit on the hard drive, before copying to DVD. You can usually do this to an accuracy of less than a second.

How many megapixels do I need on a digital camera, to get a good picture?

This really depends on what you want to do with the images. If you want to use a picture for PowerPoint presentations or view on a computer screen, then a 1 megapixel will be sufficient. This will also accomodate an image you want to project onto a screen (upto 8ft).
If you want to print the images then the more the megapixels you have on the camera the clearer the picture will print. Currently 5 megapixels cameras offer a good quality level which will give sharp images on an A4 sheet.

I want to buy a video camcorder. What accessories would you recommend?

A carry case so that you can keep all the camera components together.
If you intend to use your camera frequently, an extra battery.
If you're doing some professional work, a tripod.

There are some products that I want, but don't appear on your website. Can you get them for me?

We can source most audio visual products. Please contact Roche via the contact form or telephone 01422 310193 to speak to a sales advisor.

What is Digital Signage?

Also known as a Visitor Information System, Digital Signage is a way of communicating messages on an electronic screen or digital sign. Changes can be made to the messages and images using digital signage software, without the need to modify the physical sign. The content on your digital can range from simple PowerPoint presentations, to scrolling messages, RSS feeds and moving images. You can choose to display TV channels, or play your own moving images.

Digital Signage can be used for many different purposes, for example:
• In the foyer of a school or university to display messages to students
• In train stations to display arrival and departure times and any other messages
• In bars or restaurants to display music videos, advertising information
• In retail establishments to display in-store promotions
• In a corporate foyer/reception area to welcome clients and display corporate information

The content can be displayed is many way, such as on a plasma or LCD display, through a projector onto a screen, onto multiple monitors or electronic billboards. Our digital signage systems are networked and can be driven from a central location.

At Roche we supply Onelan, Viewsonic, A+K Pads, Samsung MagicNet and many other leading brands.

For more information, or to arrange a demonstration, contact our Sales department on 01422 310193.

Why don't you put your prices on your website?

At Roche, we are continuously searching the market for the best prices available. Unlike other AV Dealers, we have a bulk purchasing policy,which allows us to negotiate very competitive prices with our suppliers. Depending on order size and availability, our buying in prices are changing on a daily basis.

If you would like a price for an item on our website, please contact our Sales Department on 01422 310193.

We can source most AV products. If you can't see what you are looking for, please contact our team of specialists for further assistance.



How do I place an order?

We accept orders by fax, email and post. We also accept telephone orders & can take payment over the phone. You can now order lamps online and we will be expanding the range of products that can be bought online over the coming months.

What are 'Ansi Lumens'?

Choosing the right multimedia projector for your needs depends on a number of factors; the size of the screen, the subject matter of your typical presentations and the brightness of the room.

Ansi Lumens are a measure of a multimedia projector's brightness. The greater the number of Ansi lumens, the brighter the projector and the stronger the image.

The vast majority of projectors are 1500 Ansi Lumens or greater, which is more than sufficient for the average meeting room, training room or classroom, however, if you have a lot of ambient light, you may prefer to go up to one of our brighter models at 2000+.

Becta recommend that a 1500 Ansi Lumens projector is adequate for school usage.

For larger venues, such as conference centres and lecture theatres we also supply models up to 12000 Ansi lumens. For specialist, tailored advice, please contact our Sales department on 01422 310193.


What does 'SVGA' and 'XGA' mean? How do I know which is suitable for me?

The majority of projectors on the market today are either SVGA or XGA. SVGA projectors display a native resolution of 800 x 600 pixels and XGA display a native resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. The higher the number of pixels, the sharper the image.

Presentations designed at, or for, a specific resolution will be best displayed through a projector with at least that resolution. For example, if a PowerPoint user creates a presentation using their XGA resolution computer, they will need an XGA projector to avoid having to spend some time readjusting the presentation to suit the lower resolution.

You can find the resolution of a Windows computer, by right clicking on the desktop and selecting 'proprties' and the 'settings' tab of the Display Control Panel. On a Macintosh, go to the Monitors & Sound Control Panel.

Older SVGA models are generally being replaced by XGA models. For future proofing, we recommend purchasing an XGA model.

What is an Interactive Whiteboard

An interactive whiteboard is a large, touch-sensitive board which is
connected to a digital projector and a computer.The projector displays the image from the computer screen on the board.The computer can then be controlled by touching the board, either directly with your finger, or with a special pen.

There are a number of manufacturers of interactive whiteboards, offering a variety of specifications and capabilities at a range of prices.

We stock Smartboards, Hitachi Cambridge boards, Promethean boards, Sahara Cleverboards and many other associated interactive devices.

What is the Difference Between an LCD TV and a Plasma TV?

Plasma TV Overview

Plasma television technology is based loosely on the fluorescent light bulb. The display itself consists of tiny cells. Inside each cell 2 glass panels are separated by a narrow gap in which neon-xenon gas is injected & then sealed in plasma form during the manufacturing process. The gas is electrically charged at specific intervals when the Plasma set is in use. The charged gas then strikes red, green, & blue phosphors, thereby creating a television image. Each group of red, green, and blue phosphors is called a pixel (picture element).

Plasma television technology eliminates the need for the bulky picture tube and electron beam scanning of traditional televisions, because it still employs the burning of phosphors to generate an image, Plasma televisions still suffer from some of the drawbacks of traditional televisions, such as heat generation and screen-burn of static images.

LCD TV Overview

LCD televisions, use a different technology - LCD panels consist of 2 layers of transparent material, which are polarized, & are "glued" together. One of the layers is coated with a special polymer that holds the individual liquid crystals. Current is then passed through individual crystals, which allow the crystals to pass or block light to create images. LCD crystals do not produce their own light, so an external light source, such as florescent bulb is needed for the image created by the LCD to become visible to the viewer.

Unlike standard CRT and Plasma televisions, less power is need for operation and the light source in an LCD television generates less heat than a Plasma or traditional television. Also, because of the nature of LCD technology, there is no radiation emitted from the screen itself.

Plasma vs LCD

The ADVANTAGES of Plasma over LCD are:

1. Larger screen sizes available.

2. Better contrast ratio & ability to render deeper blacks.

3. Better saturation & colour accuracy.

4. Better motion tracking - there is little or no motion lag in fast moving images.

The DISADVANTAGES of Plasma vs LCD include:

1. Plasma TVs are more susceptible to burn-in of static images.

2. Plasma TVs generate more heat than LCDs

3. Does not perform as well at higher altitudes.

4. Shorter display life span (about 30,000 hours or 8 hrs of viewing a day for 9 years) than LCD. However, screen life span is improving to as high as 60,000 hours. due to technology improvements.

LCD television ADVANTAGES over Plasma include:

1. No burn-in of static images.

2. Cooler running temperature.

3. No high altitude use issues.

4. Increased image brightness over Plasma.

5. Longer display life (about 60,000 hours - at which time all you may need to do is replace the light source, not the entire set). This can vary according other environmental and use factors.

6. Lighter weight (when comparing same screen sizes) than Plasma counterparts.

DISADVANTAGES of LCD vs Plasma televisions include:

1. Lower contrast ratio, not as good rendering deep blacks.

2. Not as good at tracking motion (fast moving objects may exhibit lag artifacts) - However, this is improving.

3. Not as common in large screen sizes above 42-inches as Plasma. However, the number is growing fast, with some LCD sets having a screen size as large as 65-inches now available to the general public.

4. Although LCD televisions do not suffer from burn-in susceptibility, it is possible that individual pixels on an LCD televisions can burn out, causing small, visible, black or white dots to appear on the screen. Individual pixels cannot be repaired, the whole screen would need to be replaced at that point, if the individual pixel burnout becomes annoying to you.

5. LCD televisions are typically more expensive than equivalent-sized Plasma televisions (although this is changing), especially when comparing EDTV Plasmas to HDTV-LCD Televisions.